Battle of the champions! Dublin and Cork name strong sides for historic double-header

The reigning Division 1 holders will take on the All-Ireland champions in a double-header at Croke Park this weekend.

Friday 9 February 2018 16:23
Thursday 22 February 2018 04:24

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Doireann O'Sullivan in possession during the 2016 All-Ireland final, with Noelle Healy bearing down on her.

Source: Ryan Byrne

ALL-IRELAND CHAMPIONS Dublin and Division 1 holders Cork have both named strong teams for their historic Lidl National League match in Croke Park [Throw-in 5pm, eir Sport 1].

The Saturday clash will be the first of three Ladies National League games to be televised on eir Sport this year, as well as being a curtain-raiser for the meeting of Jim Gavin’s Dublin and Donegal, in the Allianz football league.

The occasion also marks the first time that Cork will play a league match in Croke Park.

These teams have developed an intriguing rivalry in recent years, having contested the 2014, 2015 and 2016 All-Ireland senior finals. Cork were victorious in all three finals, while Dublin triumphed against Mayo in last year’s decider.

Dublin manager Mick Bohan has selected an impressive and experienced starting team, which features 11 players from last year’s All-Ireland winning side.

Martha Byrne, Leah Caffrey, Niamh Collins and Sinéad Goldrick will form a key part of the Dublin defence, while Lauren Magee and Olwen Carey team up in midfield.

The Ward twin-sisters of Nicola and Louise will be among the key performers for Galway, along with defender Sinéad Burke and team captain Tracey Leonard, who takes up the full-forward position.

Seasoned campaigners Fiona McHale, Aileen Gilroy and Sarah Tierney are all in the starting team for Mayo.

In the clash between Westmeath and Donegal, the Leinster side have retained some of their more experienced players who lined out in the second-round clash against Dublin, with Fiona Claffey, Laura Walsh and Maud Annie Foley all named to start.

Aoife McDonnell, Emer Gallagher and the Hegarty sisters (Ciara and Niamh) are among the familiar faces in the Donegal starting team.